re: Pet owners question: crate training and leaving dog out to roam

We have left our dogs in a crate for several hours at a time with water....they are none to worse for wear. They both have slept in their crates their entire lives with the doors open....they aren't under any stress in their crate, they actually prefer it. The little one is terrified of thunder and wind....anytime either is heard she heads for her crate...and if it gets bad enough she will pull the door shut as well as she can. They are accustomed to living in dens,,,,a crate is just a modern den. They are left in them overnight, several hours at a time is not stressful to them.